Ski season off to an early start in Sisters Country

Ski season is off to an unusually early start this season as November snowfall blankets the Cascades.

Hoodoo Mountain Resort is gearing up to open on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

"This is only the third time in a decade that we've been open this early," said Scott Loften, the resort's rental manager.

Loften expects that four of Hoodoo's five lifts will be in operation for the November 27 opener.

When interviewed last week, Loften said that the local ski area already had a good base of more than two feet, and a lot more snow was predicted to be on the way. Hoodoo is known for its well-groomed trails, and the grooming machines have already been out in force to pack the popular runs.

Last year, the resort did not open until December 21, so a November opening is something that has skiers and resort employees excited. Mt. Bachelor also opened last weekend.

Hoodoo is planning on a busy Thanksgiving weekend, and their first special deal of the season will follow immediately afterward. Starting on Tuesday, December 1, and running through Friday, December 4, the resort will be offering half-price lift tickets to college students with appropriate ID.

If you're not a college student, look for Hoodoo's Toys for Tots Drive special the following week. Bring a new toy with a value of at least $10, and a lift ticket may be purchased for half price from December 7-11.

As in previous years, Hoodoo is closed Wednesdays except for holiday weeks; so Hoodoo will be open on the Wednesday before and after Christmas but not the other Wednesdays in December.

Hoodoo's Autobahn tubing area will be open, along with the Snow Bunny Sled Hill. While the Nordic trails are accessible, they have not been groomed yet, and there are still some wet spots.

As to when the Nordic trails will be in full operation, Loften said, "It all depends on the weather."

Loften said that the fifth chair lift, Hodag, on the west side of the mountain, will be open when there is a sufficient snow base for that area. Typically, Hodag requires more snow than the rest of the ski area.

Hoodoo held ski bike races last season, and plans to do so twice this season, with the first scheduled for January 30. Additional promotions, specials, and events are planned throughout the season.

For details, ticket and season pass rates, and other information contact Hoodoo at http://www.hoodoo.com.

Hoodoo President Chuck Shepard said that season pass sales are already two-and-a-half times that of a typical year.

It was also announced that Hoodoo now owns Crescent Lake Lodge and Resort. This new member of the Hoodoo family includes cabins, an RV park and snowmobile rentals. This year-round resort also offers summer camping, fishing and boat rentals.